French Navy ship docks at Lotus port, officially visits Ho Chi Minh City

On the afternoon of March 1, the French Navy's multi-mission frigate docked at Lotus Port in Ho Chi Minh City, beginning an official courtesy visit to Vietnam. The welcoming ceremony was attended by representatives from Naval Region 2, Coast Guard Region 3, the Department of Foreign Affairs - Ministry of National Defense and agencies of Ho Chi Minh City.

The French Navy's multi-mission frigate docked at Lotus Port in Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon. Photo: H.Phuc.

The French Navy's multi-mission frigate Provence, captained by Colonel Lionel Seigfried, and 158 officers, will pay an official courtesy visit to Ho Chi Minh City from March 1-7. Also participating in the visit is Rear Admiral Jacques Riviere, Deputy Commander of French Forces in the Pacific.

The welcoming ceremony had representatives from Navy Region 2, Coast Guard Region 3, the Department of Foreign Affairs - Ministry of National Defense and agencies of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: H.Phuc.

With a length of 142 m, a width of 20 m, a displacement of 6,000 tons and many modern weapons and equipment, the multi-role frigate Provence is one of the most modern warships in the French Navy's current inventory.

During the visit to Ho Chi Minh City, the Commander and officers of the French Navy ship will pay courtesy visits to the leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee; the Command of Military Region 7; and Naval Region 2.

Vietnamese and French naval officers and sailors will exchange expertise on maritime security, search and rescue, and ship survival; participate in cultural, artistic, and sports exchanges; visit historical sites, museums, and scenic spots and enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes in Ho Chi Minh City and the western provinces.

At the end of the visit, the French Navy ship will conduct joint exercises with the Vietnam Coast Guard ship in the waters off Vung Tau.

The delegation took a souvenir photo with members of the French multi-mission escort ship at Lotus Port - Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: H.Phuc.

Since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during General Secretary To Lam's official visit to France in October 2024, defense cooperation between Vietnam and France has been continuously consolidated and enhanced, achieving many positive results.

This visit of the French Navy ship will contribute to promoting the cooperation between the two Navies in particular, and the Vietnam-France defense relationship in general, to become increasingly deeper, more effective and practical.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/tau-hai-quan-phap-cap-cang-lotus-chinh-thuc-tham-xa-giao-tp-ho-chi-minh-10300777.html